DESIGN & INTERIORS TOP TIPS FOR A TIP
With more organisations welcoming customers into their workspaces, b Here, Michael Trevethan, Graphic Display Specialist at Leach Impact, o
Remember the first seven seconds Before you take any steps to modify your surroundings, remember that first impressions are made in as little as seven seconds. Failure to deliver the right initial impact could therefore dampen the relationship, before it’s even begun.
“A customer-facing environment that has an impact now, may soon become dated as the years unfold.”
Focus on ‘front-of-house’ It’s little surprise that an organisation’s ‘front-of-house’ is one of the key areas of focus, when it comes to either light refurbishments or huge overhauls. From serviced office lobbies and smaller receptions to shopping centres and individual shop windows, this outward-facing part of the facility will subconsciously set the tone for what’s inside. The same goes for restaurants, university campuses and hotel front desks - the list goes on. They all need to pack a punch.
Full wall coverings are becoming an increasingly popular choice for this front-of-house location, and with custom whole-wall graphics now available in sizes up to five metres high and 20 metres long, this single-piece display provides a first impression with style, yet simplicity.
Don’t forget the workspace Many organisations will readily express that their ‘greatest asset is their people’. So when it comes to employees’ working environment, why do things fall a little flat? The creation of inspiring surroundings will keep colleagues motivated and productive, and may even help to attract talented new recruits too.
There is little point in customers feeling wowed by your space, if the people who deliver your products and services don’t have the same sense of energy and purpose. By focusing purely on the customer-facing elements of your environment, employees are likely to feel it’s all for ‘show’, which is something FMs need to avoid.
Project your brand It’s easy to be inspired by the decor of global brands like Facebook, but don’t get side-tracked by gimmicks such as indoor lakes, helter-skelter slides and fully- stocked arcade rooms. Design features should reflect the culture and values of the business environment they find themselves in, if they’re to have the impact intended.
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From the installation of inspiring quotes on internal columns, or visually striking displays suspended from the ceiling, such alternatives will catch attention, whilst demonstrating authenticity and making clever use of underutilised space.
Identify character This isn’t possible within every customer-facing environment, but if there is any character to the space – beyond four simple walls – do what you can to maximise it. From exposed beams and brickwork, to steel girders, old access ways and uncovered relics, they all tell a story and provide a great talking point. If the space is brand new, and doesn’t have any history to it, consider a display which conveys the construction journey that unfolded when it rose from the ground. The environment will be more interesting if it has a bit of soul.
Consider colour If you’re going to stick to traditional painted walls, think carefully about the mood your chosen hue will set. Orange is great for high energy meetings, whilst white boosts creativity and blue instils tranquillity and trust, for example.
Liberate the light Glass is a great way to let in natural light and enhance LUX levels, which are known to help maintain wellbeing and concentration. But illumination options don’t end there, or with basic spots in the ceiling. Free-standing or wall-mounted LED lightboxes can brighten up a space and incorporate eye-catching photography or brand imagery, with sleek ultra-slim options tipped to be increasingly popular into 2019 and beyond.
“It’s easy to be inspired by the decor of global brands like Facebook, but don’t get side-tracked by gimmicks such as indoor lakes and helter- skelter slides.”
Welcome ideas Why not create an environment for customers, inspired by customers? Or by staff? As great as it is to have a ‘big reveal’, there’s a lot to be said about these important stakeholders having a say and influencing the overhaul. Not only does it make them feel consulted and valued, it will also help protect the investment you’re making if
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